We’ve all had that moment. You know what we’re talking about…that moment where you suddenly come to the realization that Lansing is your “home sweet home.” We here at the Lansing Collective want to know what makes our capitol city your “home sweet home” and when you realized it- so we are embarking upon a series where Lansingites share their aha moment with us! Submit your stories to HomeSweetHome@lansingcollective.com and we may just publish it on the blog! Read on to learn about this week’s featured story.
I grew up in Kalamazoo. I went to Plainwell High School, had good friends, and did silly things. Until a few years ago, saying “I’m headed home” meant I was going to Kalamazoo. My transition to Lansingite was a slow one. Lansing didn’t become my home because of time spent here, or buying a house. I knew Lansing was home when I met Betsy Weber and Robin Miner-Swartz.
But, Jess! Those are people! They’re not things!
Yep.
But, Jess! You’re nuts! Do you even know what home MEANS?!?
Yep. And, yep.
You see, what makes Lansing my home is the amazing people I’m surrounded by. People who don’t talk about doing things, they actually haul their kiesters up off the couch and do something. Robin and Betsy embody this idea, and they motivate others around them to do the same.
SCIENCE TIME!**
Say something to Robin on Twitter. @robinmswartz. Go ahead, try it. Anything at all. You’ll get a response. If you’re being a jerk, however, hold onto your pants, because you might hear about it. Trying to get something done? Try Robin. Looking to brainstorm ideas about how to improve the Lansing area? Again, Robin.
Ladies, if you’ve ever thought about wanting to do something, but feared the glass ceiling, Betsy’s your girl. She’s a force, not only locally but worldwide. If you say you can’t, she’s the first person to tell you you CAN, and show you how. And while she’s telling you how much you can do, she’ll organize social events at which you can do the stuff. Seriously. Knitting happy hours, tech camps, user groups, photo walks, geek field trips, Michigan Girl Geek Dinners, tweet ups, Ignite Lansing… the list honestly goes on and on and on. Lansing is NOT a boring town, and Betsy has a lot to do with that.
But, Jess? What do these two awesome sounding chicks have to do with Lansing being your home? Have you sustained a head injury?
Think about it. Robin tells you WHAT to do, while Betsy tells you you CAN do it. Couple this with some friends and the will to make a difference? You’re unstoppable.
If you’re on the fence about Lansing, I dare you go go out there and try something new. If you need ideas, talk to Robin and Betsy. Then go out and make an effort. Get up off your couch, put down the remote and go enjoy your surroundings. Go 
to Cravings Popcorn, or go shopping in Old Town (Grace should have its own category in my household budget). Grab some lunch at the Soup Spoon Cafe, or a beer at Michigan Brewing Company. Look at the city from a different perspective. Once you’re fed and happy, do something to give back. Pick up some trash, plan a fundraiser, plant a tree. Stop by Lansing Happy Hour or attend a TweetUp.
If you don’t like Lansing? It’s because you’ve never tried. Robin and Betsy are the ones who taught me that Lansing can be whatever I make it. So that’s what I’m doing. I’ve never been happier. #lovelansing
**Not really.
It’s funny, I have a very vivid memory of the day I met you and Betsy Weber, and I, too, mark it as a turning point in my personal and professional life. It was a tweetup at Tavern on the Square. I had never been to one, I was brand new to Twitter and I was in search of a new career path. I’d been following you, Betsy and Ryan on Twitter and you all seemed like people I needed to know. So I walked in, introduced myself, called you “Jill” because that’s what your Twitter handle meant in my head, and the rest is history.
I’m so lucky to count you as a friend — you are hilarious, tenderhearted and totally fierce. Three qualities I value highly
Was that the same tweetup at Tavern on the Square that I met Jess and Ryan? That was one epic tweetup.
The one and same TweetUp! And, Robin? My name IS Jill. You’ve just been calling me the wrong thing for three years. I told Betsy not to tell you.
After living here for a year, I can understand the sentiment in this post. Coming from a slew of other Michigan cities, Lansing has a hometown feel like no other for me. And it’s the exact same reasons mentioned above-the good businesses and good people.